Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest Grove, OR
Considering a move to Forest Grove, OR? With a friendly population of 27,122, Forest Grove offers affordable living with a median home price of $465,000 and average rent around $1,480. The city enjoys a low violent crime rate of 153 per 100K, a mild climate with 49% sunny days, and short 28-minute commutes. Residents benefit from good local schools, access to Pacific University, and a welcoming small-town feel just a short drive from Portland. Forest Grove combines outdoor beauty, solid amenities, and a relaxed pace—ideal for those seeking both convenience and community.
Demographics - Forest Grove, OR
Demographics - Forest Grove, OR
Forest Grove is home to 27,122 residents, offering a youthful median age of 34.6 and a diverse community with nearly one in five speaking a language other than English. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a population density that supports a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. Residents enjoy a mix of cultures, with the majority identifying as White and a significant portion coming from various backgrounds.
Population:
27,122
Density:
3,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
68.5%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
26.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest Grove, OR?
Forest Grove’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $465,000 and average rent around $1,480. Utility and transportation costs are moderate, and state income taxes range from 4.75% to 9.9%. This blend of affordability and amenities makes the city appealing for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$465,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$660
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.0
Grocery:
108.2
Housing:
123.7
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
110.1
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is Forest Grove, OR a safe place to live?
Forest Grove boasts a low violent crime rate of 153 per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of security. Property crimes are somewhat more common, but overall, the city maintains a safer environment compared to many similarly sized areas. Most residents find peace of mind in this close-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
153
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,460
Crime Index:
1,613
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 654
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest Grove, OR year-round?
Residents of Forest Grove enjoy a mild and temperate climate, with summer highs reaching 82°F and winter lows around 34°F. The city receives about 41.5 inches of rain annually and sees sunshine roughly 49% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible in all seasons. These weather patterns contribute to the city’s lush surroundings and inviting atmosphere.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Forest Grove neighborhoods offer a welcoming mix of families and professionals, with a median household income of $77,416 and a poverty rate of 13.1%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and average commutes are just under half an hour. The community is known for its diversity and friendly, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$77,416
Family Income:
$92,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,500
Income Male:
$48,700
Income Female:
$38,300
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Forest Grove, OR?
Forest Grove offers strong educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Forest Grove High School and Tom McCall Upper Elementary. The city is also home to Pacific University, providing higher education opportunities right in town. With additional private and nearby community colleges, families and students have a range of academic choices.

Public Schools
Name:
Forest Grove High School
Street:
1401 Nichols Ln
Phone:
503-359-2432
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Tom McCall Upper Elementary
Street:
1341 Pacific Ave
Phone:
503-359-2575
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.8

Private Schools
Name:
Visitation School
Street:
4189 NW Visitation Rd
Phone:
503-357-6990
Students:
160

Colleges
Name:
Pacific University
City:
Forest Grove
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,900
Name:
Portland Community College - Rock Creek
City:
Portland
State:
OR
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Forest Grove provides convenient access to healthcare, including the local Tuality Forest Grove Hospital and nearby Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 93% having health insurance coverage, quality care is readily available. The area’s healthcare infrastructure supports both everyday needs and emergencies.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Tuality Forest Grove Hospital
Address:
1809 Maple St, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone:
(503) 357-2173
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center
Address:
2875 NW Stucki Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97006
Phone:
(971) 310-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest Grove, OR?
The housing market in Forest Grove features a median home price of $465,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 54.2%, reflecting a stable blend of renters and homeowners. Rental vacancies are low at 4.9%, and the area has seen modest home appreciation in the past year. The market offers opportunities for both buyers and renters seeking a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Home Price:
$465,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Forest Grove can access Oregon DMV services at the nearby Hillsboro office on E Main St. The facility provides assistance with driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle needs. More information is available on the Oregon DMV website for convenient planning.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1605 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone:
503-299-9999
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.